Local News

Authorities: Fayetteville woman starved dog to death

A Fayetteville woman was arrested Friday after authorities said she failed to provide adequate food and medical treatment to her dog for more than a year, essentially allowing the animal to starve to death.

Posted Updated
Stephanie Bates, starved dog to death
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A Fayetteville woman was arrested Friday after authorities said she failed to provide adequate food and medical treatment to her dog for more than a year, essentially allowing the animal to starve to death.

Stephanie Bates, 49, of 7649 Galena Drive, was charged with felony animal cruelty and was released on a $2,000 unsecured bond.

Bruno, Bates' 3-year-old boxer bulldog, began having gastro-intestinal problems in October 2013 and was taken to Reilly Road Animal Hospital for treatment. Veterinarians prescribed medications for Bruno, but Bates took him back to the clinic three months later when his symptoms didn't improve, authorities said.
Bruno was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, and Bates was told the dog would need additional medications and a special diet.
Last month, Bates called Reilly Road Animal Hospital inquiring about euthanizing Bruno, authorities said, but the veterinarian refused to do that without examining the dog first. Bates later surrendered the dog to Cumberland County Animal Control, and authorities said the animal was by then severely emaciated and could barely stand on its own.
Animal Control officers took Bruno to several veterinary clinics for treatment, but the dog later suffered cardiac arrest and had to be euthanized, authorities said.

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.